The New England Patriots sign Steven Jackson

Dec 14, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) carries the ball pursued by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brice McCain (25) in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

With LeGarrett Blount out for the rest of the season, the New England Patriots need a new running back. They need a big back at that with the playoffs and inclement weather games soon to come. So according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, New England signed 32-year-old veteran Steven Jackson Monday.

Jackson has more than 11,000 career rushing yards and 68 rushing touchdowns and last played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. Jackson was left alone by the NFL this season after rushing for 707 yards and six touchdowns on 3.7 yards per carry. If you go by those stats, you’re thinking this isn’t a big signing because Jackson is done.

But if you’ve watched Jackson the last couple of years, you’ll know that he’s still incredibly powerful. The big, down-hill runner that didn’t fit into the Falcons’ zone-blocking scheme still has the power to close games. Jackson also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something Belichick covets.

Belichik has always favored big backs like Blount and clock-killin’ Corey Dillon from the early 2000s. Hence, Belichick phoned Jackson last week to bring him in for a workout and obviously liked what he saw. At the very least, Jackson will be better than Joey Iosefa, who led the team with 56 yards rushing in Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.

But we should look for Jackson to have his training camp from now until the end of the regular season. And when the playoffs come, Jackson will be fresh to make the most of his best opportunity to win a Super Bowl. We shouldn’t underestimate the impact this signing makes on the Patriots during the playoffs.